What Are the Causes of Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs?
Noticing that your dog has bloody diarrhea can be alarming. However, bloody diarrhea does not always indicate a serious health problem. In fact visible blood in the stool is often less of a concern than “invisible” blood, which makes the stool turn black. There are many causes for bloody diarrhea. It should always be immediately checked by your vet, but it may not be serious. Types Two types of blood may be seen in the stool. The most obvious is bright red blood, often in diarrhea or mixed with mucous. This is called hematochezia. The visible blood usually originates in the lower intestines, usually from parasites or a viral infection. Melena is blood that originates in the stomach and upper intestines. Because it has been digested, it colors the stool black, and can look like tar. Note that some foods, like liver, can also turn the stool black and tarry and is not necessarily anything to worry about. However, the presence of any blood or suspected blood in the dog’s droppings warrants
